Support assembly

ABSTRACT

A support assembly for a C-beam having a top flange and a bottom flange integrated by a beam web is disclosed. The support assembly has a saddle having a saddle web in engagement with the beam web along a portion of the beam web and a saddle flange supporting the bottom flange. Retaining means connect the bottom flange to the saddle flange. A vertical support member is disposed adjacent the saddle flange and has a free end. Elevating means are on a foundation and are engageable with the free end of the support member to reciprocate the saddle and the C-beam with respect to the foundation. A V-shaped support member has a first support leg and a second support leg terminating in a vee. The vee is affixed to the vertical support member adjacent its free end. The first support leg and the second support leg are connected at first connections to the saddle web adjacent the top of the saddle web to obtain maximum projected bearing area along the saddle flange for the bottom flange, and such legs pass through the shear center of the C-beam to minimize torsion in the C-beam. Further, the first support leg and the second support leg project beyond the saddle web and are connected at second connections to the beam web adjacent the top flange to strengthen the beam web against collapse of the beam web under lateral load.

United States Patent Ratliff, Jr.

1,451 Dec. 5, 1972 [54] SUPPORT ASSEMBLY [72] Inventor: George l). Ratliff, Jr., Churchill Borough, Pa.

[73] Assignee: United States Steel Corporation [22] Filed: June 18, 1971 211 Appl. No.: 154,518

[58] Field of Search ..52/1 14, 115, 122, 126, 678, 52/293; 248/354 R, 354 S, 354 C, 354 H 511,448 2/1955 ltaly ..248/354 C Primary Examiner-Frank L. Abbott Assistant Examiner-Leslie A. Braun Attorney-Robert J. Leek, Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT A support assembly for a C-beam having a top flange and a bottom flange integrated by a beam web is disclosed.

The support assembly has a saddle having a saddle web in engagement with the beam web along a portion of the beam web and a saddle flange supporting the bottom flange. Retaining means connect the bottom flange to the saddle flange. A vertical support member is disposed adjacent the saddle flange and has a free end. Elevating means are on a foundation and are engageable with the free end of the support member to reciprocate the saddle and the C-beam with respect to the foundation. A V-shaped support member has a first support leg and a second support leg terminating in a vee. The vee is affixed to the vertical support member adjacent its free end. The first support leg and the second support leg are connected at first connections to the saddle web adjacent the top of the saddle web to obtain maximum projected bearing area along the saddle flange for the bottom flange, and such legs pass through the shear center of the C-beam to minimize torsion in the C-beam.

Further, the first support leg and the second support leg project beyond the saddle web and are connected at second connections to the beam web adjacent the top flange to strengthen the beam web against collapse of the beam web under lateral load.

22 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures PATENTED 5 I97? 3. 704, 560

SHEET 1 [IF 4 INVENTOR GEORGE D. RATL/FF JR Attorney PATENTEDuEc 51972 3. 704.560

sum u or 4 F/GI l5 GEORGE 0. RA TL IFF JR.

I may SUPPORT ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1 am aware of the following prior art:

US. Pat. No. Inventor Issued Class 459,051 Streeter 8/91 1,572,574 Stromborg 2/9/26 1,761,659 Cummings 6/30/30 1,761,660 Cummings 6/30/30 2,280,220 Crosby 4/21/42 72/77 2,943,716 Babcock 7/5/60 189/1 2,956,652 Liskey, Jr. 10/18/61 189/34 3,067,843 Rushtoh et al. 12/1 1/62 189/34 3,074,693 Shumake l/22/63 254/92 3,150,749 Liskey, Jr. 9/29/64 189/34 3,302,342 Castleberry 2/7/67 52/90 3,316,680 Chasttek /2/67 52/126 3,380,205 Ratchford 4/30/68 52/126 3,397,494 Waring 8/20/68 52/122 3,463,325 Zagotta et 31. 8/26/69 211/148 3,508,365 Ellis 4/28/70 52/169 3,540,175 Hawn 11/17/70 52/126 US. Patent No. 1,527,574 relates to a building support capable of withstanding seismic disturbances comprising means which are horizontally shiftable.

US. Patents Nos. 1,761,659 and 1,761,660 illustrate examples of quakeproof buildings mounted on suitable rollers or the like.

US. Patent No. 3,067,843 is directed to an adjustable support structure comprising a plurality of generally U-shaped channels adapted to receive a suitable structural member, such as an I-beam or the like.

The remaining patents further illustrate the state of the art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is the general object of this invention to avoid and overcome the foregoing and other difficulties of and objections to prior art practice by the provision of an improved support assembly for a C-beam, which support assembly:

a. provides positioning of the C-beam in three planes;

b. obtains maximum projected bearing area along the saddle flange of the saddle for the bottom flange of the C-beam;

c. minimizes torsion in the C-beam; H

d. strengthens the beam web against collapse of the beam web under lateral load;

e. prevents curling of the bottom flange of the C- beam;

f. minimizes axial stresses in the V-shaped support member;

g. minimizes the stresses adjacent the first connections between the first support leg and the second support leg and the saddle web;

h. minimizes the positive bending stresses adjacent the mid points of the spans of the C-beam;

i. minimizes the negative bending stresses adjacent the first connections;

j. minimizes the stresses in the beam web adjacent the first connections; and

k. prevents separation of the beam web and the saddle web.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The aforesaid objects of this invention and other objects which will become apparent as the description proceeds are achieved by providing an improved support assembly for a C-beam having a top flange and a bottom flange integrated by'a beam web.

The support assembly has a saddle having a saddle web in engagement with the beam web along a portion of the beam web and a saddle flange supporting the bottom flange. Retaining means connect the bottom flange to the saddle flange. A vertical support member is disposed adjacent the saddle flange and has a free end. Elevating means are on a foundation and are engageable with the free end of the support member to reciprocate the saddle and the C-beam with respect to the foundation. A V-shaped support member has a first support leg and a second support leg terminating in a vee. The vee is affixed to the vertical support member adjacent its free end. The first support leg and the second support leg are connected at first connections to the saddle web adjacent the top of the saddle web to obtain maximum projected bearing area along the saddle flange for the bottom flange and such legs pass through the shear center of the C-beam to minimize torsion in the C-beam.

Further, the first support leg and the second support leg project beyond the saddle web and are connected at second connections to the beam web adjacent the top flange to strengthen the beam web against collapse of the beam web under lateral load.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of this invention, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals of reference indicated similar parts throughout the several views and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a C-beam having a top flange and a bottom flange integrated by a beam web and showing the bottom flange resting on a saddle flange of a saddle provided with a saddle web, the vertical support member depending from the saddle web and connected to the V-shaped support member at its vee, the first support leg and second support leg of the V-shaped support member being connected respectively to the saddle web and the beam web at first and second connections and the elevating means for reciprocating the C-beam on the saddle;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the C-beam and support assembly shown in FIG. 1 and showing the first support leg and second support leg of equal lengths, disposed at equal angles of elevation with respect to the horizontal, the location of the first connections between the first support leg and second support leg and the saddle web to provide a maximum projected bearing area along the saddle flange for the bottom flange;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the C-beam and support assembly taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2 in the direction of the arrows and showing the shear center of the C-beam, stiffening lipson the top flange and bottom flange of the C-beam and a retaining lip on the saddle flange;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the beam web and beam flange, the saddle web and saddle flange, the saddle lip and two types of fastening means which serve as retaining means for connecting the saddle flange to the beam flange;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 of an alternative embodiment showing a stiffening flange on the bottom flange and the saddle lip bent over the stiffening lip of the bottom flange to retain the bottom flange in the saddle flange;

FIG. 6 is aview similarto FIGS. 4 and 5 of another alternative embodiment showing the saddle lip on he saddle flange bent over the outer edge of the lower flange; 7

FIG. 7A is a fragmentary'side elevational view of another alternative embodiment of-the beam web and lower flange and the saddle web and saddle flange and showing an aperture in the bottom flange of the C- beam through which a punched-out tab on the saddle flange is projected and bent over to retain the lower flange against the saddle flange;

FIG. 7B is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 7B-7B of FIG. 7A in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an alternative embodiment showing the vertical support member spaced a fixed distance D from the saddle flange and the elevating means having a rotatable vertical worm in engagement with teeth on the vertical support member, guide means for guiding the vertical support member and a tie member ,for integrating the worm and the vertical support member;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevational view of another embodiment of the elevating means showing the vertical support member carrying a pinion rotatable thereon and in engagement with a rack upstanding from the foundation and a guide rod on the foundation for guiding the vertical reciprocablemovement of the vertical support member; g

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side elevational view of still another embodiment of the elevating means wherein the vertical support member is provided with a bottom plate and the elevating means comprise a plurality of wedges between the bottom plate and the foundation;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary side elevational view of another'alternative embodiment of the elevating means wherein the vertical support member is provided with a bottom socket adapted to receive the piston of a fluid cylinder mounted on the foundation;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary side elevational view of another alternative embodiment of the elevating means showing the vertical support member telescoping about a hollow fluid tube upstanding from the foundation and a fluid seal between the vertical support member and the hollow fluid tube;

. FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the C-beam and an alternative embodiment of the support assembly showing the vertical support member dividing the C- beam into two unequal spans; the first support leg being longer than the second support leg; the second support leg being disposed at an angle 0 with respect to the horizontal, which angle 0 is greater than the angle 0 at which the first support leg is disposed to the horizontal; the horizontal distance from the centerline of the vertical support member to the first connection between the first support leg and the saddle web being greater than the horizontal distance between the centerline of the vertical support member and the first connection between the second support leg and the saddle web; and the height from the connection of the vee to the vertical support member and the first connections being constant;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary side elevational view, similar to FIG. 13, showing the first support leg longer than the second support leg; the angle of inclination 0 of the first support leg being equal to the angle of inclination 0, of the second support leg; the horizontal distance from the centerline of the vertical support member to the first connection between the first support leg and the saddle web being greater than the horizontal distance from the centerline of the vertical support member to the first connection of the second support leg and the saddle web; and the height from the connection of the lower end of the first support leg to the vertical support member to the first connection between the first support leg and the saddle web being greater than the height from the connection of the lower end of the second support leg to the vertical support member to the first connection between the second support leg and the saddle web;

another alternative embodiment having a convex arcuate first support leg and second support leg; and

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIGS. 15 and 16 and showing another alternative embodiment of the elevating means wherein the stationary vertical support member is threaded internally and engageablewith a rotatable threaded rod pivoted on a plate mounted on the foundation.

Although the principles of this invention are broadly applicable to a support assembly for structural beams or joists, the invention is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with a C-beam and hence it has been so illustrated and will be so described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION With specific reference to the form of this invention illustrated in the drawings, and referring particularly to FIGS. 1-3, a support assembly for a C-beam 10 (FIGS. 1-3) having a top flange 12 (FIGS. 1-3) and a bottom flange 14 (FIGS. 1-3) integrated by a beam web 16 (FIGS. l-3) is indicated by the reference numeral 18.

Support Assembly 18 This support assembly 18 has a saddle 20 (FIGS.

' 1-3) having a saddle web 22 (FIGS. 1-3) in engagement with the beam web 16 along a portion of the beam web 16 and saddle flange 24 (FIGS. 1-3) supporting the bottom flange 14 of the C-beam 10. As shown particularly in FIG. 3, the top flange 12 and bottom flange 14 of the C-beam 10 are provided with stiffening lips 26 (FIGS. 1-3). Retaining means 27 (FIG. 3), such as a retaining lip 28 or the like, on the saddle flange 24 engages the stiffening lip 26 on the bottom flange 14 to retain the bottom flange 14 of the C-beam 10 in intimate contact with the saddle flange 24. I

A vertical support member 30 (FIGS. 1-3) suitably a hollow pipe or the like, depends from welds 31 (FIG. 2) to the saddle flange 24 downwardly toward a foundation 32 (FIG. 2) and is provided with a free end 34 (FIGS. 1-3). Elevating means 36 (FIGS. 1-3) are mounted on the foundation 32 and are engageable with the free end 34 of the vertical support member 30 to reciprocate the saddle 20 and the C-beam 10 with respect to the foundation 32.

Elevating Means 36 As shown in FIGS. l-3, the elevating means 36 has a threaded rod 38 upstanding from an anchor plate 40 (FIGS. 1,2) on the foundation 32 projecting into the hollow vertical support member 30. The means utilized to elevate the vertical support member 30, may for example, be a threaded nut 42 (FIGS. l-3) or the like, rotatable on the threads of the threaded rod 38 and engageable on its upper surface with the free end 34 of the vertical support member 30 to cause the reciprocating movement of the saddle 20 and the C- beam 10 with respect to the foundation 32.

V-Shaped Support Member 44 A V-shaped support member 44 (FIGS. 1-3) is provided having a first support leg 46 (FIGS; 1,2) and a second support leg 48 (FIGS. l-3), both legs 46,48 terminating in a vee 50 (FIGS. l-3). The vee S is affixed to the vertical support member 30 adjacent its free end 34 as by encircling welds 5 2 (FIGS. 1,2) or the like. For the purpose of obtaining maximum projected bearing area, A FIG. 2, along the saddle flange 24 for the bottom flange 14 of the C-beam 10, the first support leg 46 and the second support leg 48 are connected at first connections 54 (FIGS. 1,2) (suitably welds or the like) to the saddle web 22 adjacent the top of such saddle web 22. In addition, in order to minimize torsion in the C-beam 10, the first support leg 46 and the second support leg 48 pass approximately through, as shown in FIG. 3, the shear center C, of the C-beam 10.

In order to strengthen the beam web 16 against collapse of such beam web 16 under a lateral load on the C-beam, the first support leg 46 and the second support leg 48 project beyond the top of the saddle web 22 and are connected at second connections 56, FIGS. l-3, (suitably clamps or the like) about the upper ends of the first support leg 46 and second support leg 48 which clamps 56 are secured to the beam web 16 by fasteners 60 (FIGS. 1,2) or welds (not shown), or the like.

It will be noted from a consideration of FIGS. 1-3 that the maximum projected bearing area A (FIG. 2) along the saddle flange 24 for the bottom flange 14 of the C-beam by utilizing the angle B (FIG. 2) is about 30. The angle 0 which the first support leg 46 and the second support leg 48 makes with the horizontal (FIG. 2), is such that 0, (FIG. 2), the angle of inclination for the first support leg 46 is equal to the angle of inclination 0, (FIG. 2) which the second support leg 48 makes with the horizontal. In addition, the length L; (FIG. 2) of the first support leg 46 is equal to the length L (FIG. 2) of the second support leg 48. The distance A, (FIG. 2) from the center-line of the vertical support member 30 to the first connection 54 of the first support leg 46 with the top of the saddle web 22 is substantially equal, as shown in FIG. 2, to the distance A, (FIG. 2) from the centerline of the vertical support member 30 to the first connection 54 between the second support let 48 and the top of the saddle web 22.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the angles of inclination 0, and 0 are critical in the range such that the cotangent of either 0, and 0, lies in the range of about 1.0 to about L4.

In order to provide positioning of the support assembly 18 in three planes, the anchor plate 40 ispro vided as shown in FIG. 1 with longitudinal slots 62 and such anchor plate 40 is secured to the foundation 32 as by anchor bolts 64 (FIG. 2) or the like.

In order to prevent separation of the beam web 16 from the saddle web 22, fastening means such as screws, bolts, welds, or the like 66 (FIGS. 1,2) extend through or connect the saddle web 22 to the beam web ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS It will be understood by those skilled in the art that alternatively as shown in FIG. 4, the C-beam 10" does not have a stiffening lip 26 on the bottom flange 14. The retaining means 27 may comprise alternatively either a fastener 68a extending through the retaining lip or saddle lip 284 of the saddle 20 or alternately, a fastener 68b extending through both the saddle flange 24 and the bottom flange 14.

In FIG. 5, the C-beam 10 is provided with a stiffening lip 26 over which the projecting end of the saddle lip 28 is bent to prevent separation of the bottom flange 14 from the saddle flange 24.

In FIG. 6, the stiffening lip 26 is omitted on the bottom flange 14 of the C-beam 10 and retaining or saddle lip 28 is bent over the outer end 70 of the bottom flange 14.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show another embodiment of the retaining means 27 wherein one member of the bottom flange l4 and the saddle flange 24 is provided with an aperture 72 (in this case, the aperture 72 is provided in the lower flange 14 of the C-beam l0") and the other member of the bottom flange 14 and the saddle flange 24 is provided with a tab 74. In this case, of course, the tab 74 on the saddle flange 24 is projected through the aperture 72 in the bottom flange 14 of the C-beam l0 and is bent over (as indicated by the bent dotted lines) onto the top surface of a lower flange 14 of the C-beam 10 to retain the saddle flange 24 in engagement with the lower flange 14.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the elevating means 36 having a guide member, such as the guide pin 76, upstanding from the anchor plate 40 and secured thereto as by welds 78 or the like. The guide member 76 is engageable with the vertical support member 30 to guide the free end 34 of such vertical support member 30 A drive member, suitably a worm 80, is rotatable on one member of the vertical support member 30 andthe foundation 32 or anchor plate 40. In this FIG. 8, the worm 80 is pivotable in a socket 82 in the anchor plate 40 and is provided with a handle 84 so that the worm 80 may rotate on threads 86 on the outside of the vertical support member 30 For the purpose of aligning the worm 80 with the vertical support member 30 a tie member, suitably a clamp 88 or the like, is employed.

It will be noted from a consideration of FIG. 8 that the top of the vertical support member 30 is spaced a distance D from the saddle flange 24 of the saddle 20. In this case or embodiment of the C-beam 10 separation of the vertical support member 30 from the saddle 20 causes a reduction of about 15% in the support of the load of the C-beam 10, normally carried by the vertical support member 30 The elevating means 36 shown in FIG. 9, has a pinion 90 rotatable by means of handle 92. The teeth of the pinion 90 are engageable with an upstanding rack 94 secured by welds 96 or the like to the anchor plate 40 on the foundation 32. A guide rod 98 aligns the free end 34 of the vertical support member 30 As shown inFIG. 10, the vertical support member 30*" is provided with a plate 100 on its free end 34 and the elevating means 36 comprises a plurality of wedges 102 disposed between the plate 100 and the anchor plate 40 on the foundation 32.

In FIG. 11, the plate 100"on the free end 34 of the vertical support member 30 is provided with a socket 104 engageable with a piston 106 of a fluid cylinder 108 upstanding from the anchor plate 40 on the foundation 32. Welds 1 10 or the like may secure the bottom of the fluid cylinder 108 to the anchor plate 40 on the foundation 32.

In FIG. 12, the vertical support member 30 is suitably a hollow pipe into which a hollow fluid tube 112 projects. The hollow fluid tube 112 is upstanding from the anchor plate 40 and secured thereto by welds 110 or the like. In order to cause the vertical support member 35 to reciprocate with respect to the hollow fluid tube 1 12, a suitable seal 1 14 such as O-rings or the like, are disposed between the inside of the free end 34 of the vertical support member 30 and the outside of the hollow fluid tube 112 thereby constituting another embodiment 36 of the elevating means.

In FIG. 13, the vertical support plate 30 divides the C-beam 10 into two unequal spans, namely span B, being greater than span B In this case, the length of the first support leg 46 (L is greater than the length L of the second support leg 48". Further, the angle of inclination of the second support leg 48 is greater than the angle of inclination 0 of the first support leg 26". In addition, the horizontal distance A, is greater than the horizontal distance A FIG. 13 shows the ends of the C-beam resting on foundation walls 116.

In FIG. 14, the vee 50 on V-shaped support member 44 is eliminated and the ends of the first support leg 46 and the second support leg 48 are secured, as by welds 118 or the like, to the vertical support member 30. In this case, the length L, of the first support leg 46 is greater than the length L, of the second support leg 48". The height H, from the weld 118 to the first connection 54 between the first support leg 46 and the saddle web 22 is greater than the height H, from the weld 118 to the first connection 54 between the second support leg 48 and the saddle web 22. In addition, the horizontal distance A, is greater than the horizontal distance A Further, the angles of inclination 0 and 6 are equal.

FIG. shows a first support leg 46" and a second support leg 48" which are of concave arcuate configuration.

FIG. 16 shows a first support leg 46 and a second support leg 48" which are of convex arcuate configuration.

In FIG. 17, a further alternative embodiment of the elevating means 36" is shown. Here, an externally threaded rod 38" is pivoted at its lower end in a socket 120 on the anchor plate 40 on the foundation 32 for rotatable movement of the rod38" in such socket 120. The threadedrod 358 extends upwardly in threaded engagement with the internally threaded vertical support member 30" and projects beyond the upper end of the member 30" where such rod 38 is provided with a head 124 to facilitate rotation of the threaded rod 38", and the elevating of the support assembly 18 and the C-beam 10".

SUMMARY OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the objects of this invention have been achieved by providing an improved support assembly 18, FIGS. 13, 18" (FIG. '4), 18 (FIG. 5), 18 (FIG. 6), 18 (FIGS. 7A,7B), 18 (FIG. 8), 18 (FIG. 9), 18 (FIG. 10), 18" (FIG. 11), 18 (FIG. 12), 18 (FIG. 13), 18 (FIG. l4), 18 (FIG. 15), 18 (FIG. 16), and 18 (FIG. 17). These improved support assemblies:

a. provide positioning of the C-beam 10 in three planes;

b. obtain maximum projected bearing area A FIG. 2) along the saddle flange 24 of the saddle 20 for the bottom flange 14 of the C-beam 10;

c. minimize torsion in the C-beam 10;

d. strengthen the beam web 16 against collapse of the beam web 16 under lateral loading of the C-beam 10;

e. prevent curling of the bottom flange 14 of the C- beam 10;

f. minimize axial stresses in the V-shaped support member 30;

g. minimize the stresses adjacent the first connections 54 between the first support leg 46 and the second support leg 48 with saddle web 22;

h. minimize the positive bending stresses adjacent the mid points of the spans, for example, spans B and B (FIG. 13), of the C-beam 10 i. minimize the stresses in the beam web 16 adjacent the first connections 54;

j. minimize the negative bending stresses adjacent the first connections 54; and

k. prevent separation of the beam web 16 and the saddle web 22.

While in accordance with the patent statutes, preferred and alternative embodiments of this invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it is to be particularly understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby.

Iclaim:

1. A support assembly for a C-beam having a top flange and a bottom flange integrated by a beam web, said support assembly having:

a. a saddle having a saddle web in engagement with said beam web along a portion of said beam web, and saddle flange supporting said bottom flange;

b. retaining means connecting said bottom flange to said saddle flange;

c. a vertical support member disposed adjacent said saddle flange and having a free end;

(I. a foundation;

e. elevating means on said foundation and engageable with said free end of said vertical support member to reciprocate said saddle and said C- beam with respect to said foundation;

f. a V-shaped support member having a first support leg and a second support leg terminating in a vee,

1. said vee being affixed to said vertical support member adjacent said free end, and said first support leg and said second support leg being connected at first connections to said saddle web adjacent the top of said saddle web to obtain maximum projected bearing area along said saddle flange for said bottom flange, and passing approximately through the shear center of said C-beam to minimize torsion in said C- beam, 3. said first support leg and said second support leg projecting beyond said saddle web and being connected at second connections to said beam web adjacent said top flange to strengthen said beam web against collapse of said beam web under lateral load.

2. The support assembly recited in claim wherein said retaining means has a retaining lip on said saddle flange in engagement with the outer edge of said bottom flange to prevent curling of said bottom flange of said C-beam.

3. The support assembly recited in claim 2 wherein said retaining means has a fastener connecting said retaining lip and said outer edge.

4. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said retaining means is a fastener means connecting said bottom flange to said saddle flange.

5. The support assembly recited in claim 2 wherein said retaining lip extends beyond said bottom flange and is bent over said bottom flange.

6. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said elevating means has a threaded rod projecting from said foundation and into said vertical support member, and a rotatable threaded member on said threaded rod and in engagement with said vertical support member. I

7. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said elevating means has a guide member upstanding from said foundation and engageable with said vertical support member for guiding said free end of said vertical support member, a drive member rotatable on one member of said vertical support member and said foundation, and a driven member on the other member of said vertical support member and said foundation.

8. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said elevating means has a plate on said free end of said vertical support member and wedge means between said plate and said foundation.

9. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said elevating means has a plate on said free end of said vertical support member and fluid drive means between said plate and said foundation. I

10. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein the cotangent of the angle which one support leg of said first support leg and said second support leg makes with the horizontal is in the range of about 1.0 to about 1.4 to:

a. minimize axial stresses in said V-shaped support member;

b. minimize the stresses adjacent said first connections between said first support leg and said second support leg and said saddle web;

c. minimize the positive bending stresses adjacent the mid points of the spans of said C-beam;

d. minimize the negative bending stresses adjacent said first connections; a d

e. minimize stresses in sai d beam web adjacent said first connections.

11. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said vertical support member divides said C-beam into two substantially equal spans and said first support leg and said second support leg are substantially equal in length.

12. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said vertical support member divides said C-beam into two unequal spans and one leg of said first support leg and said second support leg is greater in length than the other leg of said first support leg and said second support leg.

13. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein one leg of said first support leg and said second support leg is substantially straight.

14. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein one leg of said first support leg and said second support leg is arcuate.

15. The support assembly recited in claim 14 wherein one leg is concave arcuate.

16. The support assembly recited in claim 14 wherein said one leg is convex arcuate.

17. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said elevating means has a support plate on said foundation and positioning means connecting said foundation to said support plate.

18. The support assembly recited in claim 1 and hav ing a second retaining means between said beam web and said saddle web to prevent separation of said beam web and said saddle web.

19. The support assembly recited in claim 2 wherein said bottom flange has a stiffening lip in engagement with said retaining lip to prevent curling of said bottom flange of said C-beam.

20. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said vertical support member is hollow and said support assembly has a hollow fluid tube upstanding from said foundation into said vertical support member, seal means between said vertical support member and said hollow fluid tube, and fluid supply means connected to said hollow fluid tube for reciprocating said vertical support member with respect to said hollow fluid tube.

21. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said retaining means has one member of said bottom flange and said saddle flange provided with an aperture and the other member of said bottom flange and said saddle flange provided with a tab engageable with said aperture.

22. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said vertical support member depends from said saddle flange. 

1. A support assembly for a C-beam having a top flange and a botTom flange integrated by a beam web, said support assembly having: a. a saddle having a saddle web in engagement with said beam web along a portion of said beam web, and saddle flange supporting said bottom flange; b. retaining means connecting said bottom flange to said saddle flange; c. a vertical support member disposed adjacent said saddle flange and having a free end; d. a foundation; e. elevating means on said foundation and engageable with said free end of said vertical support member to reciprocate said saddle and said C-beam with respect to said foundation; f. a V-shaped support member having a first support leg and a second support leg terminating in a vee,
 1. said vee being affixed to said vertical support member adjacent said free end, and
 2. said first support leg and said second support leg being connected at first connections to said saddle web adjacent the top of said saddle web to obtain maximum projected bearing area along said saddle flange for said bottom flange, and passing approximately through the shear center of said C-beam to minimize torsion in said C-beam,
 3. said first support leg and said second support leg projecting beyond said saddle web and being connected at second connections to said beam web adjacent said top flange to strengthen said beam web against collapse of said beam web under lateral load.
 2. said first support leg and said second support leg being connected at first connections to said saddle web adjacent the top of said saddle web to obtain maximum projected bearing area along said saddle flange for said bottom flange, and passing approximately through the shear center of said C-beam to minimize torsion in said C-beam,
 2. The support assembly recited in claim wherein said retaining means has a retaining lip on said saddle flange in engagement with the outer edge of said bottom flange to prevent curling of said bottom flange of said C-beam.
 3. The support assembly recited in claim 2 wherein said retaining means has a fastener connecting said retaining lip and said outer edge.
 3. said first support leg and said second support leg projecting beyond said saddle web and being connected at second connections to said beam web adjacent said top flange to strengthen said beam web against collapse of said beam web under lateral load.
 4. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said retaining means is a fastener means connecting said bottom flange to said saddle flange.
 5. The support assembly recited in claim 2 wherein said retaining lip extends beyond said bottom flange and is bent over said bottom flange.
 6. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said elevating means has a threaded rod projecting from said foundation and into said vertical support member, and a rotatable threaded member on said threaded rod and in engagement with said vertical support member.
 7. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said elevating means has a guide member upstanding from said foundation and engageable with said vertical support member for guiding said free end of said vertical support member, a drive member rotatable on one member of said vertical support member and said foundation, and a driven member on the other member of said vertical support member and said foundation.
 8. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said elevating means has a plate on said free end of said vertical support member and wedge means between said plate and said foundation.
 9. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said elevating means has a plate on said free end of said vertical support member and fluid drive means between said plate and said foundation.
 10. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein the cotangent of the angle which one support leg of said first support leg and said second support leg makes with the horizontal is in the range of about 1.0 to about 1.4 to: a. minimize axial stresses in said V-shaped support member; b. minimize the stresses adjacent said first connections between said first support leg and said second support leg and said saddle web; c. minimize the positive bending stresses adjacent the mid points of the spans of said C-beam; d. minimize the negative bending stresses adjacent said first connections; and e. minimize stresses in said beam web adjacent said first connections.
 11. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said vertical support member divides said C-beam into two substantially equal spans and said first support leg and saiD second support leg are substantially equal in length.
 12. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said vertical support member divides said C-beam into two unequal spans and one leg of said first support leg and said second support leg is greater in length than the other leg of said first support leg and said second support leg.
 13. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein one leg of said first support leg and said second support leg is substantially straight.
 14. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein one leg of said first support leg and said second support leg is arcuate.
 15. The support assembly recited in claim 14 wherein one leg is concave arcuate.
 16. The support assembly recited in claim 14 wherein said one leg is convex arcuate.
 17. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said elevating means has a support plate on said foundation and positioning means connecting said foundation to said support plate.
 18. The support assembly recited in claim 1 and having a second retaining means between said beam web and said saddle web to prevent separation of said beam web and said saddle web.
 19. The support assembly recited in claim 2 wherein said bottom flange has a stiffening lip in engagement with said retaining lip to prevent curling of said bottom flange of said C-beam.
 20. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said vertical support member is hollow and said support assembly has a hollow fluid tube upstanding from said foundation into said vertical support member, seal means between said vertical support member and said hollow fluid tube, and fluid supply means connected to said hollow fluid tube for reciprocating said vertical support member with respect to said hollow fluid tube.
 21. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said retaining means has one member of said bottom flange and said saddle flange provided with an aperture and the other member of said bottom flange and said saddle flange provided with a tab engageable with said aperture.
 22. The support assembly recited in claim 1 wherein said vertical support member depends from said saddle flange. 